Google Market - total crap

[Nutz]

Three days ago I ordered PowerAmp unlocker via Market, paid for via Credit Card which has now been debited. My tablet attempted to download the app for six minutes ('waiting to install') but didn't manage to download. This is a known issue according to the PA FAQ, but Google seem to offer totally crap support - I have been charged (stolen from) for an app that wasn't delivered and they seem to have no other way of delivering digitally.

I would like to hear from anyone who has been in a similar position, with the intent of taking legal action against Google. Please be as detailed as possible.

 

[mbob63]

Three days ago I ordered PowerAmp unlocker via Market, paid for via Credit Card which has now been debited. My tablet attempted to download the app for six minutes ('waiting to install') but didn't manage to download. This is a known issue according to the PA FAQ, but Google seem to offer totally crap support - I have been charged (stolen from) for an app that wasn't delivered and they seem to have no other way of delivering digitally.

I would like to hear from anyone who has been in a similar position, with the intent of taking legal action against Google. Please be as detailed as possible.

I had the same problem with the Thumb Keyboard app last week. I was angry at first but found a solution. Here is my suggestion: Open the Google Market, tap the menu icon in the upper right hand corner, select "purchase history", then select the poweramp app that didn't download. It will then download and install correctly. It worked for me so I hope it works for you.

 

[clgwli]

If you can't get it to work, go to your CC you said you used. Tell them what happened and most likely they will simply reverse the charges for you. No legal action required.

 

[mihaelb]

It happened to me four or five times on my phone over the span of 2 years. I just tried again later and it installed successfully (just go to 'my apps' or 'purchased apps' as the previous post says and click on your app and install it). Once when I wasn't patient (the download stopped), I turned the wifi off (which made the download get marked as unsuccessful), and then told it to download/install again, and it did without problems.

Not a biggie. I think it has more to do with network problems than Market/purchase problems.

 

[dbpaddler]

Take a chill pill, email the developer and they can take care of reversing the charge. the last time that happened to me they just emailed me the apk.

Or just shut down, change your connection and try again. It will eventually work.

 

[Parafly9]

Go to the Android Market on your computer, log in, and find hte order and re-send to your phone from their.

 

[LunchBB]

I hated they shorten the trial time from 24 hrs to 15 minutes. Then many times the download won't happen. It makes me nervous don't want to try anyypaid app.

 

[Incredirebel]

I hated they shorten the trial time from 24 hrs to 15 minutes. Then many times the download won't happen. It makes me nervous don't want to try anyypaid app.

If it helps, the 15 minute refund period doesn't start until the download completes. So far, that is the only concession Google has been willing to make. FWIW, I also think 15 minutes is too short. One hour would have been a better compromise.

 

[LunchBB]

That's good to know! However, for the download you don't know when is going to happen, you have to keep an eye on the device. If you walk away, and come back, the 15 minutes window may be passed.

I don't know what Google was thinking that 15 minutes is enough to evaluate an app. I agree with you, at least gives user an hour for that.

 

[dbpaddler]

It's impossible to navigate all the features and see how an app runs in 15 minutes. i certainly shy away from most paid apps because of this unless they have a free version that is 'fully functional". Have seen a bunch of lesser free apps or trials that are just crippled and then the paid one is fully featured. And they tell you to try the free version first before buying. Unfortunately, it's usually the crippled features i want to see work before I plunk down money. Especially if it's a $10 app.

 

[Nutz]

I had the same problem with the Thumb Keyboard app last week. I was angry at first but found a solution. Here is my suggestion: Open the Google Market, tap the menu icon in the upper right hand corner, select "purchase history", then select the poweramp app that didn't download. It will then download and install correctly. It worked for me so I hope it works for you.

Thanks for sending this - it worked just fine for me too!

 

[mbob63]

Thanks for sending this - it worked just fine for me too!

Glad it worked for you! Knowing how to fix this problem takes the risk out of purchasing apps.

 

[mihaelb]

It's impossible to navigate all the features and see how an app runs in 15 minutes. i certainly shy away from most paid apps because of this unless they have a free version that is 'fully functional". Have seen a bunch of lesser free apps or trials that are just crippled and then the paid one is fully featured. And they tell you to try the free version first before buying. Unfortunately, it's usually the crippled features i want to see work before I plunk down money. Especially if it's a $10 app.

Although I agree that 15 minutes is too short (should be an hour or two), the average price is like $3...and the VERY rare occasion that there is a download problem that you happen to walk away from your tablet as it goes through (rather than you forcing it to try again), big deal...why raise a fuss...yeah, it's not great, but it's just $3!

 

[LunchBB]

Although I agree that 15 minutes is too short (should be an hour or two), the average price is like $3...and the VERY rare occasion that there is a download problem that you happen to walk away from your tablet as it goes through (rather than you forcing it to try again), big deal...why raise a fuss...yeah, it's not great, but it's just $3!

I respectfully disagreed. Even its $3, if it's not right, we have to say it and express our opinion to google or the developers. That's how they can improve.

 

[dbpaddler]

Heck, I could create a shit app, give it some awesome screen shots and a good description, charge a few dollars for it, and probably make a fair amount of money before there was enough negative feedback to scare people away.

It pretty much gives developers a free pass to put little effort into development. Have zero clue why even an hour is too short. And unlike games where something is just to pass time and be for amusement, if one is trying to find apps to help increase productivity, you need some time to work with it, period. Minutes, hours? Not enough. Limited functionality demos and free apps? Sorry, but if I'm looking for specific things and you keep it out of the demo or free version, how am I supposed to test the app?

 

[mihaelb]

I respectfully disagreed. Even its $3, if it's not right, we have to say it and express our opinion to google or the developers. That's how they can improve.

yeah, it's not right, but calling Google Market 'total crap' and threatening legal action (this thread's subject and beginning) is a bit extreme over this. Writing Google to complain about the 15 minute limit, I totally support.

 

[LunchBB]

mihaelb... oh yes. I read the OP again and that would be too much for legal action.